Well, that was one of the most bizarre experiences I've ever had (Reply)

Very, very tired now, having only slept 3 hours in the last 48, and have taken sedatives, so this is a quick update.

First: Thanks to all of you for your kind words and support, especially to Lyo and Imalion who drove me to the court and stood by me when I needed it.

Here's a short rundown of what happended: I requested no contact at all and explained my reasons why, which the judge considered reasonable. This didn't take but a minute or so. The crazy ex then spent 10 minutes arguing with the judge about how she's entitled to contact me because anything else would be a violation of her freedom of speech, which is a very bizarre interpretation of that law, to say the least. Judge wasn't buying it, and granted the restraining order. The next bit is a blur to me. I was starting to talk to the bailiff about how enforcement would take place when she violated it (do I call 911, or the court, or what?.). As I was doing this, she apparently asked the judge if she could violate the agreement right there in the courtroom, which she then did by coming over and tackling me as I was talking to the bailiff. I assumed the most non-aggressive posture possible, while the 2 bailiffs pulled her off of me and put her in cuffs. I was then lead from the courtroom by the first bailiff, who sent me down to wait for paperwork for the restraining order. So basically, she committed 4 crimes in the courtroom, in front of at least 2 bailiffs, 20 random witnesses, several attorneys and clerks, *and the judge who just filed the order*

She's currently still at the courthouse, and will be spending the weekend in the jail at the Somerville police station, and will be arraigned on Monday on 1 count each of Assault, Battery, Violation of a restraining order, and Contempt of Court. I was told it wasn't necessary for me to wait, once they gave me to paperwork to prove I have a restraining order. I don't have to be at the arraignment and probably won't go, though I will have to go to the trial as the plaintiff for the 4 charges.;

All in all, if was pretty damn bizarre. OTOH, it sorta streamlines the process: I no longer have to go back to file charges when she inevitably violated the order, since she did me the favor of doing it right then and there in front of 30 or so witnesses.

I'm both astonished and not. It was, as I said, bizarre. However, the last 2 years of our marriage had her behaving pretty insanely, so I should be, at least to some extent, used to it and expecting it. I guess the last couple of years of distance, where she wasn't physically in my face all the time have dimmed the memories somewhat. Well, that's been "fixed". She's at least as crazy as I remember, if not worse.

Lyo, Imalion, feel free to add to this anything you remember that I missed. And thanks again for being there. I couldn't have done it without you.